We open on two paramedics tending to an unconscious teenager who’s laid out on the ground. One of the medics is on a walkie talkie, relaying details about the patient’s condition to the home base. He reports that the patient is the victim of a possible drug overdose, has a heart rate of 42 and is 17 years old.
However, this dismal prognosis changes suddenly–and in surprising fashion when the 17 year old gets up and switches places with the medic who’s been talking over the walkie talkie. Now the teenager has the communications device and is discussing his new found patient, asking for and receiving permission to administer a drug via syringe.
A super puts this strange scenario into sobering context. It reads, “Education has the power to change everything.”
This is followed by a plea which reads, “Help us to help them stay in school.”
Next we see a tag logo identifying the sponsor, The Pathways To Education program, followed by a Web site address, pathwaystoeducation.ca.
Pathways is an intervention program that provides tutoring and financial assistance to disadvantaged youth in a Canadian housing project. The program has yielded successful results, getting more youngsters to stay in school and pursue academic studies.
“Paramedics” was directed by Hubert Davis of untitled, Toronto, for Ogilvy & Mather, Toronto.
James Davis and Aerin Barnes executive produced for untitled, with Tom Evelyn serving as producer. The DP was Adam Marsden.
The agency team consisted of creative director Janet Kestin, art director Tim Piper, copywriter Chris Dacyshyn and producer Brenda Surminski.
Editor was Michelle Czukar of Panic & Bob, Toronto. Colorist was Chuck Nosworthy of Notch, Toronto. Chief audio engineer was John Naslen of Technicolor, Toronto, with Aaron McCount serving as assistant engineer..
Sound designer was Dan Kuntz of David Fleury Music, Toronto. Music was done by Toronto-based house The Hive.
Principal actors were Chris Ratz, Chris Tessaro and Chuck Martin.